Different enzymes
are active at different pH levels. The exclusive enteric matrix formulation of
DigestZyme allows for two phase, pH sensitive release of the contents of the
capsule, with some of the enzymes being released in the stomach or gastric phase
and others in the upper intestine or enteric phase.

Incomplete
Digestion Can Cause Food Allergies and Many Diseases

Proper digestion
is a requirement for optimum health, and incomplete or disordered digestion can
be a major contributor to the development of many diseases. Not only are foods
and nutritional substances of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation are
inadequate, but also, incompletely digested food molecules can be
inappropriately absorbed into the systemic circulation. This can lead to
various diseases and the development of food allergies.(1)

Enzymatic action
originates in four areas: the salivary glands, the stomach, the pancreas and the
wall of the small intestine. Each enzyme is capable of breaking down only a
specific substance. For example, an enzyme capable of breaking down fats
cannot break down proteins or carbohydrates or vice versa.(2)

Gastric
Phase Releases Pepsin and HCl

The stomach is
primarily responsible for digestion of proteins and ionization of minerals. The
stomach secretes gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) and various hormones and
enzymes.(1) In
DigestZyme capsules, the gastric release phase provides the protein digestive
enzyme, pepsin; Betaine HCl as a source of hydrochloric acid; and stomach
substance to aid absorption and provide growth and repair factors for the
stomach.

Although much is
said about hyperacidity (as often occurs with peptic ulcers), probably more
significant health problems are caused by lack of gastric acid secretion.
There are many symptoms and signs that suggest impaired gastric acid secretion,
and a number of specific diseases have been found to be associated with
insufficient gastric acid output.(1,3,4)

Several studies
have shown that the ability to secrete gastric acid decreases with age. Low
stomach acidity has been found in over half of those over age 60.(1,5,6,)

The small
intestine participates in all aspects of digestion, absorption and transport of
ingested materials. It secretes a variety of digestive and protective substances
as well as receiving the secretions of the pancreas, liver and gallbladder.(1)

Diseases
involving the small intestine often result in malabsorption syndromes
characterized by multiple nutrient deficiencies. Common causes of malabsorption
include celiac disease (gluten intolerance), food allergy or intolerance,
intestinal infections and Crohn's disease.(1)

In DigestZyme, the
enteric release phase supplies pancrelipase, cellulase, duodenal substance and
ox bile extract to the small intestine.

Pancrelipase, along with
bile, functions in the digestion of fats. Deficiency of lipase results in
malabsorption of fats and the fat soluble vitamins.(1)

Bile aids in the production
of an alkaline reaction in the intestines and is essential for absorption of
fats.(12)
Bile emulsifies the fats, permitting intestinal and pancreatic lipases to
split the triglycerides into diglycerides and monoglycerides, and finally
into free fatty acids and glycerol.(7)

Bromelain, a
protein-DigestZymeg enzyme found in pineapple, is useful as an aid to protein
digestion and is effective as a substitute for pancreatic enzymes in the
treatment of pancreatic insufficiency.(1,8)

Papain is a protein
DigestZymeg enzyme isolated from the unripe papaya fruit. It has been shown to
be able to digest wheat gluten (the protein portion of wheat) and render it
harmless in celiac disease subjects. Taking a papain supplement with meals
may allow some individuals to tolerate gluten.(1,9,10)

Cellulase hydrolyzes the
plant fiber carbohydrate, cellulose. Although cellulose cannot be digested
by humans, it is partially digested by the microflora of the intestine. This
natural fermentation process is an important source of short chain fatty
acids. Abnormal intestinal flora is a common sign of digestive problems
related to low gastric acidity.(1)

The proteolytic
(protein-Digestol) enzymes and bile also serve to keep the small intestine free
of parasites (including bacteria, yeast, protozoa and intestinal worms).(1,11)

It is important
to remember that digestive problems are caused by some glandular or organic
dysfunction. While the digestive aid is being used, the glands or organs
involved should also be treated.

In cases of
pancreatic insufficiency, supplementation with pancreatic enzymes is also
recommended.(1)
Pan 5X and Pan 10X are excellent high potency pancreatic enzyme supplements.

WARNING: This
information is provided for the health professionals only. This publication
and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product
relates to nutritional support only.